Free Love Game - Season 2011 by M. B. Gerard

player and one of the favorites of the tournament,” Hugh mused. But the German seems to be really in top form this week so my guess is that both will have their chances. I think, we will witness a great, memorable clash between Angie and Morgie.”
    Morgie? Sam couldn’t help but shake her head again in amazement.
    Then she chuckled and decided to enjoy this afternoon with Hugh. The players entered the court. It was the same routine as ever – official picture at the net, the umpire in charge of the toss and finally the warm-up. Tennis was a world made of a thousand rituals and Sam loved it.
    “The German’s strong forehand against the French woman’s effective serve and groundstrokes,” Sam picked up the commenting. “It should be a very tight match even though Morgana is a hot contender as you just said. But let’s not forget that Porovski is a very hard worker. She is extremely fit and could become the surprise of this tournament.”
    Besides being tireless and ambitious, Angela Porovski was a fun character – one of the rare gems that showed up from time to time on the tour. The German was well appreciated among the girls and her extroverted personality brought along a lightness that was well needed at times. As both players went to their respective sides of the net, Samantha Watts leaned forward on her desk and took a deep breath.
    Down on the court Rumanian umpire Anastasia Stea switched on her microphone.
    “Angela Porovski to serve.”
     
     
    ***
     
     
     
    She felt the excitement in her every vein. In every muscle. In her toes. She wanted to burst into a little sprint, punch the walls of the stadium and hand out high fives to the spectators who were cheering for her. But instead she regally walked off the court into the catacombs of the Rod Laver Arena with her little trademark wave.
    She was back. Back in the game, back in the ring and she just made her first semifinal since she had been runner-up at the U.S. Open two years ago. Who would say now she was over and done for? Sasha was already looking forward to the press conference. Entering the locker room her joy gave way to a commiserative feeling. There was Gabriella Galloway whom she had just beaten sitting in the corner of the room. She looked teary. Sasha knew how a loss in a Grand Slam quarterfinal felt. Perhaps a few comforting words would be nice? Sasha hesitated.
    She wasn’t disliked by the other players. But the fact that she had been so successful at an early age separated her from her peers. They looked up to her and at the same time feared her as she was known for her will to win. And today she had proven again that this will was unbroken. She might have lost the first set to Gabriella but she fought her way back into the match, saved two match points and forced a tiebreak in the second set which she eventually won. The third set had been her show. She won the match 3-6, 7-6, 6-2.
    Sasha crossed the room and Gabriella quickly got up and walked over to her locker, avoiding Sasha’s eyes. While she passed the Czech player Sasha followed her with a side glance. Gabriella had a fine body and her long dark hair looked even darker when it was wet. And she apparently read Tennis Nurse novels. Sasha couldn’t help grinning. She loved the fact that she knew a little secret. Yes, she should say something nice, she decided.
    “You made me work really hard,” Sasha said looking at Gabriella’s back.
    “Yes.” Gabriella didn’t look her way but was taking out a towel.
    “Perhaps your sister will have the chance to get revenge for you in the final,” Sasha said with a smile. There was a chance that Luella Galloway would make it to the final. She had been playing exceptionally well the last couple of days and several experts predicted a final clash between Luella and Sasha. The younger woman turned around to face Sasha. There was cold fury in her eyes.
    “If you ever make it to the final,” she spit out before she rushed off to the